Born in 1792, Rossini composed 36 operas and earned a fortune by the age of 37. He then wrote almost nothing until, at the age of 55, he finally settled in Paris where he produced a number of, mostly small, pieces that he famously described as his "sins of old age". Among these, though, was the Petite Messe Solennelle of 1863 which is neither unduly solemn nor, other than in an affectionate sense, little.
Originally scored for two pianos and harmonium, Rossini scored it 4 years later for full orchestra. Sadly, he died shortly before the first orchestral performance in February 1869.
In its original version, which the Royal Free Singers will perform, its quirky, catchy and almost operatic style has ensured this exciting piece has become a core member of the choral repertoire, popular with choirs and audiences alike. As Rossini himself noted in the dedication on the score, "Good God, behold completed this poor little Mass. Thou knowest well, I was born for comic opera. A little science, a little heart, that is all."